Recap: Four of senior halfback Gunnar Bloom’s five touchdowns came before halftime, and the Royals (3-0) scored points on eight of their first nine possessions to build a 24-point lead entering the fourth quarter. Then St. Francis (1-2) scored 19 unanswered points, including two touchdown passes from Hunter Trautman to Taylor McMorrow. But Rogers recovered an onside kick with less than 2 minutes remaining and ran out the clock for the victory.

Key to the game: Bloom finished with 214 total yards in a game in which both teams moved the ball easily. The Saints had three turnovers, including a fumble on the opening kickoff that seemed to hand the early momentum to the Royals.

Quote: “That wasn’t exactly the ending we wanted; wasn’t the smoothest way to finish it out.” — Bloom on the dramatic finish

One thing to know: Bloom and his backfield mates run behind a massive and dominant offensive line that includes Andrew Piehl (6-4, 270 pounds), Dominic Skawiniak (6-3, 235) and tight end Cole Murray (6-9, 220).

BRYCE EVANS

Four of senior halfback Gunnar Bloom’s five touchdowns came before halftime, as Rogers jumped out to an early lead and held on for a 45-40 win over Mississippi 8 rival St. Francis.

Behind a dominant offensive line, Rogers (3-0) scored on all five of its first-half possessions, and seven of its first eight overall. The Royals’ first punt didn’t come until the fourth quarter.

But that’s when St. Francis (1-2) came back, scoring 19 unanswered points. It was too little too late, though, as an onside kick failed with 1:59 remaining.

Quarterback Hunter Trautman threw three touchdown passes for the Saints and ran in another.

Check back later for more on the game.